This is a hand-knotted vintage Shiraz rug, originating from the Fars province in southwestern Iran, which is the heartland of the Qashqai, Khamseh, and other nomadic tribal confederations. This remarkable piece is approximately 75 years old, dating to the late 1940s or early 1950s. Measuring 120 by 80 centimeters (roughly 3 feet 11 inches by 2 feet 7 inches), it is a small-format “scatter rug” or decorative mat—an intimate size that makes it perfect for use as a wall tapestry, a tabletop display piece, a small prayer mat, or a decorative accent in a cozy nook or entryway. The rug is woven entirely from hand-spun wool using natural, organic dyes, and its age is evident in the soft, mellowed pile and charmingly whimsical execution that defines true tribal folk art.
The design layout of this Shiraz rug is a classic “Pictorial” or “Garden of Paradise” composition, featuring an arched “Mihrab” or niche layout at the top, which is often associated with prayer rugs. However, rather than being strictly religious, this rug is a vibrant narrative scene. The central field is dominated by a large, arched “Tree of Life” motif that extends from the bottom base upward, branching out to fill the top arch. The space surrounding the tree is not empty; it is a lively “forest floor” filled with stylized animals, birds, and blooming flora. The rug is framed by a wide main border in terracotta red, which houses its own continuous narrative of hunting animals and lush vegetation. Narrow inner and outer guard borders in dark blue and ivory frame the entire piece, creating a structured, layered boundary around the busy central scene.
This rug is a treasure trove of figurative tribal motifs that set it apart from purely geometric rugs. The centerpiece is the stylized Tree of Life, which features a thick central trunk branching outward into symmetrical, leafy canopies in ivory and grey. Flanking the tree in the deep blue field are numerous stylized animals, including spotted deer (gazelles), running hares, and small birds(resembling partridges or doves) perched on the branches or walking on the ground. The animals are woven in a charmingly naive, folk-art style with distinct outlines and spots. The wide red border carries the narrative further, featuring a repeating procession of lions, deer, and stylized leopards, interspersed with flowering vines and leafy bushes. The guard borders feature small, repeating chevrons, stepped diamonds, and star motifs, which act as a protective architectural frame around the main composition.
The color palette of this Shiraz rug is deeply saturated, dramatic, and artistically applied. The primary field is a rich, velvety indigo blue or deep navy, which serves as a dark, absorbing night-sky backdrop for the vibrant motifs. The large central focal point, an arch-shaped “Tree of Life,” is woven in a warm, contrasting ivory and cream, which glows brightly against the dark blue. The wide main border features a vibrant maddening terracotta redor rust orange ground, providing a warm, energetic frame that encloses the cool blue field. Secondary accent colors include mustard yellow, slate grey, soft teal, and touches of black used to outline the animals and leaves, giving them definition and depth. There is a gentle abrash (color variation) visible across the blue field and the red border, which confirms the use of hand-prepared natural dyes, adding to the rug’s antique charm.
Age: 75 years old (circa late 1940s – early 1950s), mid-century antique.
Size: 120 x 80 cm (3’11” x 2’7″), a highly versatile small scatter rug or tapestry.
Material: 100% hand-spun wool with natural, organic vegetable dyes.
Colors: Rich indigo/velvety navy blue field, brilliant terracotta/rust red border, ivory/cream central tree, with mustard yellow, slate grey, and black accents.
Design: Pictorial “Garden of Paradise” layout with an arched Mihrab (niche) and a central Tree of Life.
Pattern: A vibrant narrative scene featuring a branching Tree of Life, flanked by spotted deer, running hares, and birds; the red border features a repeating procession of lions, deer, and leopards among vines.
Symbolism: Immortality and cosmic connection (Tree of Life), harmony with nature and grace (deer/hares), spiritual freedom (birds), guidance/refuge (arched Mihrab), and protection from the Evil Eye (latch-hook guard borders).
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with an even, low pile, secure edges, and full, intact fringes.
Abrash: Natural color variation confirms authentic, hand-prepared natural dyes.
Versatility: Perfect as a wall tapestry, tabletop display, prayer mat, or cozy entryway accent.